Yet again, being overblown with misinformation. This is NOT a no-fly zone that most think it is (total restriction from flying overhead).
This is a restriction for general aircraft operating within 1000ft of the ground surface. NOTAM can be found here:
http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_8699.html
It's quite clear that if this was a "coverup" and being controlled by Exxon, they would restrict the airspace to a much higher altitute so photos could not be taken. If I had to guess, I'm sure they don't want media helicopters hovering close to the ground hampering cleanup and possibly posing a threat to their own helicopter crews that could be working as well.
Quote:
Issue Date : April 01, 2013 at 1412
UTC Location : MAYFLOWER, Arkansas near LITTLE ROCK VORTAC (LIT)
Beginning Date and Time : Effective Immediately
Ending Date and Time : Until further notice
Reason for NOTAM : Temporary flight restrictions
Type : Hazards
Replaced NOTAM(s) : N/A Pilots May Contact : MEMPHIS (ZME) Center, 901-368-8234
Airspace Definition: Center: On the LITTLE ROCK VORTAC (LIT) 319 degree radial at 22.4 nautical miles. (Latitude: 34º58'55"N, Longitude: 92º26'42"W) Radius: 5 nautical miles Altitude: From the surface up to and including 1000 feet AGL
Effective Date(s): From April 01, 2013 at 1412 UTC Until further notice
Operating Restrictions and Requirements
No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered by this NOTAM (except as described).
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Looks like this is gaining steam by a smear campaign by those against the new pipeline.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thor
Sorry never an excuse to not allow media into a disaster area like that, its a spill and oil companies are exerting their financial power to keep this as quiet as possible.
Its working.
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Bull crap, there's always an excuse. Priority #1 after a disaster is to contain and make the area safe. Then cleanup. Priority to allow news helicopters within a disaster zone is always low. Enabling a restriction as a precaution allows the crews to heli in clean up booms, generators and other equipment if needed. The Exxon aviation guy who would control that support aircraft is the one who requested this, not a marketing or PR person. Now, if they had just enacted this restriction today, weeks after the accident, then I could see a reason why there would be suspicion. But that's not the case here.